“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
Maya Angelou
Love and hope wrap themselves together like a vine reaching for the sky. When I truly love, I wish for the best for someone – their wellness becomes important to my own happiness, and I celebrate their joys as though they were my own.
I love my kids and grandkids like this. Even in the midst of deep depression, I return a grin when one of my grandbabies smiles at me. Their happiness lights a small, warm flame in my own heart.
I love my husband like this – 29 years together and I know he’s a keeper. There were obstacles to overcome – not the least of which has been my struggle with mental illness – but the vine of love and hope continues to grow.
I can even love complete strangers like this. In very early 2020, I ordered my FREE HUGS sweatshirt, but by the time it arrived the world had shut down due to COVID-19. I hopefully kept it in my closet, knowing the day would come when I could freely hug my neighbors and other community members without dire fear of illness. The day is here. I have worn my sweatshirt and genuinely hugged many a stranger. I hold them with the same loving touch as I would my own family. I made a choice from my heart, to lead with love – an emotion usually returned to me.
Yet when it comes to my own personal vine of love, I have a less than green thumb. My brain counters every tender word with “evidence” of my downfalls and shortcomings. I am tough on myself in a way I would not tolerate of others.
As I write this, I am struck that the critical voices inside of me are not heart-based, but from my mind.
I do love myself, even if my mind sometimes (usually) fights against me. Maya Angelou’s words resonate, telling me my mind is just another obstacle. Self-love recognizes no barriers.
Today, as much as I love my husband, I will be my own Valentine. I will write myself a love letter. I may even grant myself some chocolate, when I arrive at my destination.
My heart will pump love, and hope.
Holy Wow! Just what I needed to read this Valentine’s Day. You are loved. Sending you a huge virtual bear hug!! Love,~Marirose
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❤️ Love you girlfriend❣️Thank you for your post! I enjoyed it! I didn’t write myself a Valentine, but I did tell myself what I love about me; all the while fighting against those negative voices in my head! I won this time! Then I went to our local chocolatier & bought myself 3 pieces of my favorite chocolates (milk chocolate pecan turtles) and bought others to share with friends in the evening. Sharing is good! It was a good Valentines Day!
❤️ Love you girlfriend❣️Thank you for your post! I enjoyed it! I didn’t write myself a Valentine, but I did tell myself what I love about me; all the while fighting against those negative voices in my head! I won this time! Then I went to our local chocolatier & bought myself 3 pieces of my favorite chocolates (milk chocolate pecan turtles) and bought others to share with friends in the evening. Sharing is good! It was a good Valentine’s Day!